Defining the Hooking Kick and Blocking Tool
The Hooking Kick (Golcho Chagi) is a defensive technique that employs the foot for blocking. This kick utilizes the side instep (Yop Baldung) as the blocking tool. The side instep is formed when the ankle is properly bent upward while the foot is twisted until the instep faces almost downward. The Hooking Kick is used primarily for blocking the attacking hand or foot. It is taught in both low and middle variations. This technique is classified as a foot block.
Execution and Movement Path
The blocking tool for the Hooking Kick must reach the target in an outward curve. This curved trajectory distinguishes it from the twisting kick. The practitioner should ensure that the outer tibia is facing downward at the moment of impact. The target areas for this kick are specifically the elbow joint and Achilles’ tendons. The method of this kick is applicable to the method of the hooking block performed with a back hand.
Strategic Advantage and Counter-Attack Readiness
A key advantage of the Hooking Kick is its defensive efficiency: the kicking foot remains readily available for an instantaneous counter-attack motion. It is advisable to execute this kick at the outside of the attacking hand or foot. This technique is so efficient that it is often performed with minimal effort on the part of the defender, a characteristic shared by the hand-based hooking block (Golcho Makgi).
Training Context and Variations
The Hooking Kick is integrated into various training drills and sequences. For example, in a forward stepping kick drill, the technique is executed, and the kicking foot is then lowered to an L-stance, followed by a high cross-cut with the flat fingertip. The kick can be performed as part of a Consecutive Kick (Yonsok Chagi), such as in the sequence of a Turning Kick followed by a Reverse Hooking Kick. The Double Hooking Kick (I-jung Golcho Chagi) is also noted, though only a vertical kick is possible for this sequential technique. Advanced aerial practice includes the Flying Hooking Kick (Twimyo Golcho Chagi), which is used in blocking the attacking hand or foot while flying.
Cautions Regarding Inside Blocking
Similar to the Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), performing an inside block version of the hooking kick requires special caution. This caution is necessary because the opponent may be able to utilize their opposite hand or foot for an unexpected counter-attack.